BY PAT FARNELLI
Correspondent

Mountain View School Board was informed at Monday’s meeting about the potential increase on taxes if the district opts to raise taxes above the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s index for the school district.

Business Manager Thomas Witiak said that the amount submitted for the exception option was $103,615, which would amount to .53 additional mills.

He said that if millage was raised to the state index, it would amount to about a $33 increase for taxpayers; going above the index would bring in another $16.

On average, district property owners would see a $50 increase in their tax bills this year.

At a January board meeting, former superintendent and board member Andrew Chichura voiced opposition to raising taxes above the index and suggested a more careful examination of district expenditures.

School directors Christine Plonski-Sezer, Michael Barhite, and David Schulte attended a seminar for school board members Saturday at Abington Heights which included training in financial matters and budgeting.

Board member Kenneth Decker questioned the district’s use of natural gas royalties.

Witiak estimated that the natural gas royalties received by the district are around $10,000 per month.

Decker asked whether the royalties are still being used for capital projects but was told the checks are now going into the general fund.

“What is in the fund now?” asked Decker. He was told that there would

be an account report for next meeting.

Audience member Barbara Kelly asked, “What did the previous board, which was serving when the gas lease was signed, have in mind for the use of
these funds? It might be helpful to know how they intended it to be spent.”

Decker said it was his opinion that these funds be used for the students, for field trips or educational enrichment experiences or for
other projects like sports field improvements that would be for the benefit of the kids.

The board approved the creation of a transition coordinator position, effective immediately, at a starting rate of $37,000 with benefits and to advertise for the transition coordinator agreement.

Jenny Keating was appointed as a teacher for the 2015-16 21st Century program.

The security film for exterior building windows and doors has been purchased and is being installed in both buildings.

An artist in residence program has begun in the district, with Vince Brush providing dance classes for physical education and Spanish classes.

On March 17, the Science Showcase and Fair will be held, featuring a Geodome.

Deon Faramelli, Natalie Barlow and Elizabeth Miller have advanced to the FBLA competition in Hershey, Apr. 10-12.

The Drama Club will be performing Annie, with a large cast of 35 students grades 7-12, on March 3-5.

Another Sip and Paint event is being planned for March 18, and hosted the Art Club, which is raising funds for a New York City Trip.